Jubilation in Akwa Ibom As Lawmakers Reject Plot to Ban Eating of Dog Meat

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has dismissed a motion seeking to outlaw the consumption and sale of dog meat — a development that has sparked excitement and relief among many residents.

The motion, introduced on Tuesday by Uduak Ekpoufot, member representing Etinan State Constituency, collapsed almost immediately after no lawmaker agreed to second it, a key step required before debate can proceed. With zero support on the floor, the Speaker promptly ruled the motion rejected.

Ekpoufot had argued that dog-meat trade practices are inhumane and should be prohibited. But the House showed no appetite for the proposal, leaving the long-standing cultural delicacy unrestricted and untouched by legislation.

Dog Meat Debate: Culture, Scarcity and Controversy

Dog meat remains widely consumed in parts of Nigeria. Wildlife expert Edem Eniang recently told Premium Times that women consume more dog meat than men, partly due to beliefs that it improves skin texture. He also raised concerns about rising dog theft and declining dog populations in areas such as Ibeno and Oron in Akwa Ibom.

Although Akwa Ibom is popularly associated with the delicacy, Eniang ranked Nike in Enugu State as Nigeria’s top dog-meat-consuming community, followed by Plateau State, with Akwa Ibom coming third. Residents in Nike told reporters they believe the meat has medicinal value.

Despite the controversies, Eniang argued that a nationwide ban is impractical, noting economic hardship and the high cost of alternative protein sources.

Public Reactions: ‘Victory for the Masses’

News of the rejected motion triggered a wave of reactions on Facebook and other platforms. Some users mocked the proposal, while many questioned the relevance of such a motion amid pressing economic and social issues.

One commenter wrote:

“How can a lawmaker, with all the challenges facing Akwa Ibom, be thinking of banning dog meat?”

For now, dog meat remains a legal and culturally rooted cuisine in Akwa Ibom — and many residents are celebrating that it stays that way.